Horse Racing
Coolmore and Godolphin set to face off in Superlative Stakes
Coolmore and Godolphin go head-to-head in what promises to be a highly informative Boodles Superlative Stakes at Newmarket on Saturday.
Aidan O’Brien’s last winner of this seven-furlong Group Two event was City Of Troy in 2023, while Charlie Appleby has won the last two editions, through Ancient Truth and most recently Saba Desert.
The Ballydoyle trainer this year saddles Abraham Lincoln, a son of Wootton Bassett who cost €2.3million as a yearling and looked like he might have a chance of living up to the price tag in the way he won his maiden at the Curragh.
“He did it nicely on his debut over six furlongs so he’s not short of speed, but we always thought he was going to be a horse for seven furlongs and even further,” said O’Brien.
“We just started him off over six as the race was there, but it was lovely the way he did it.
“We’ve been very happy with him since and we’re looking forward to seeing how he gets on.”
Appleby has a tremendous record in this race and in Al Hudaiba he has a contender who would be three from three but for dramatically unshipping Tom Marquand with a Yarmouth novice at his mercy in May.
“We have the advantage of having three runs under our belt, albeit he’s only finished two!” said the Moulton Paddocks handler.
“I’m excited to see him on Saturday. It’s a good race, but I think he’s a smart horse.”
The big two dominate the market, although Pikachu (Charlie Johnston) merits consideration after running a good race to be fifth in the Chesham at the Royal meeting.
So too does the Harry Eustace-trained Green Sovereign, who caught the eye with an unlucky passage in the Windsor Castle.
Notable Dream (Marco Botti), Alfred Wallace (Ed Walker) and Silver Dominion (Oliver Cole) complete the field.
